Thanks for respect during funeral

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Editor, Register-Mail: I am writing to express my gratitude to the people of Galesburg for their gracious displays of respect and caring during Tuesday's funeral for Kyle Wehrly. I wish to recognize those who stood in the rain as the procession passed, and the firefighters and police officers who lined the route of the cortege. I would also like to express my gratitude to the students of Knox College and the others who joined them in shielding those of us who had gathered to grieve, from the cruel messages of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Most of us who attended Kyle's funeral arrived before the Westboro group began their demonstration and were unaware of what was happening outside. We were there to mourn the loss of Kyle and to support the family. The intrusion of any politics was deemed undesirable. The family was aware of the Westboro group's bizarre interpretation of Christianity and its history of hate-filled disruptions at funerals. Everyone was relieved that the group had absolutely no impact during this time of mourning.

It wasn't until the next day that I became aware the message that the Westboro church had brought to Kyle's funeral. While I found all of the group's signs and slogans to be offensive, I was particularly shocked to see a photo of a sign stating, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers."

Thanks again to the Knox students who acted as a barrier between those who wished to offend and those who had come to grieve the death of Kyle. Critics of Knox may believe that the students were merely playing politics. The fact that they left a card expressing their sympathy is evidence of the students' sincerity and respect. Their actions have affirmed the ties between the College which was created by George Washington Gale and the small city which has grown up around it. Thank you also to everyone who has laid politics aside in the spirit of community. - Tom Colclasure Jr. (second cousin of Janet Hays Wehrly, Kyle's widow), Galesburg